When I think of demi-glace, I think of slow cooked, deeply flavored beef essence. That satiny quality that embellishes a pan seared, peppercorn crusted steak and enhances a velvety bordelaise sauce for your Christmas standing rib roast. Made with bones and water, some aromatics and veg…and time. Lots of time.That elusive commodity that we all find ourselves in deficit of. My solution? Cheater’s Demi-Glace.

This post is sponsored by Stubb’s Legendary Bar-B-Q Sauces and Rubs.

I don’t know about you, but when our family gathers for the holidays, there’s usually between fifteen and twenty people — plus friends… So, big shanks of meat, copious sides and a multitude of desserts are the norm. But not this holiday. This year, our family is scattering — leaving to visit other family and friends. When I did an actual head count of who would be with us, I realized that our numbers were cut by half. And most of the ones who will be here have bird-like appetites. Clearly, the giant buffet table won’t be necessary. Taking into account our diminished numbers, this Christmas we’ll scale back on the volume of food, but not the flavors with this very festive Cherry Apple Stuffed Pork Loin.

It’s that time of year — Cookie Swap time! This year I’ve partnered with The Food Blogger Love Cookie Exchange #FBLCookieExchange to benefit No Kid Hungry, an organization dedicated to ending childhood hunger, a worthy endeavor and one I’m very happy to promote.

Here’s how it works: I bake 3 dozen cookies and send them out to three other participating food bloggers that I’ve been matched to from across the U.S. In return, I receive 3 dozen cookies from fellow cookie monsters/food bloggers. Fun, right?

A few nights ago, I had the pleasure of attending a gourmet tasting at a new specialty shop and cafe in Royal Palm Place, Gourmetphile. My friend, Denise Righetti, owner of our local Savor Our City Food Tours assembled a concierge group to learn about, sample and indulge in some of the finest caviar on the market.

The bread basket. It’s an almost sacred vessel — lined with soft napkins and piled high with fresh baked bread. When its brought to the table, you know dinner is an occasion. But what’s you’re favorite? Soft, yeasty rolls or flaky, buttery biscuits? To be clear, if there’s homemade bread, I’m not going to be overly picky! But if I had a choice… it’s biscuits! Hands down — and these Parmesan Black Pepper Buttermilk Biscuits are tops!